Does Gonorrhoea have a smell?

No one likes a bad smell. It can be extra unpleasant when that smell is coming from your intimate areas.

The body produces all sorts of smells, whether it’s healthy or sick. These smells can also vary based on many factors, such as hygiene, bathing, diet, beauty regimens, perfumes, and more.

But when it comes to illness, it might be tempting to treat smells as a reliable indicator of sickness. This is especially true when talking about STIs.

So, this raises the question: do STIs smell? And in particular, does Gonorrhoea smell?

Keep reading to find out more.

To understand whether Gonorrhoea smells, we have to understand what Gonorrhoea is.

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. You tend to get it through unprotected sex, including oral and anal sex. While Gonorrhoea tends to infect the genitals, it can also infect other parts of the body, like the throat and rectum.

Although it’s often associated with younger people, targeted screening data from Better2Know shows that the median age for proactive Gonorrhoea testing is 29 years old, highlighting that sexual health concerns don’t stop after your early twenties.

Infections can often produce odours in humans and signal infection status. One study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found a strong correlation between infection and unpleasant odours in sweat samples collected from infected, non-infected, and recovered young men.

It’s thought that concentrations of cortisol, testosterone, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) produced a smell that was deemed unpleasant by healthy, uninfected young women.

However, the pleasantness or unpleasantness of body odours is very subjective and can be influenced by many factors. It’s not a reliable way to tell if someone’s infected.

On the other hand, the smell of discharge may be more reliable for assessing infection.

One of the main symptoms of Gonorrhoea is an unusual, sometimes smelly discharge. This discharge can appear white, yellowish, or green, depending on the person.

It can be difficult to be definitive about what Gonorrhoea discharge will smell like. Many people might describe it as “strange” or “foul”, producing an odour similar to that of mushrooms or fish. This is true in both men and women.

But such smells don’t just apply to genital infections. Around 13% of targeted Gonorrhoea tests from Better2Know focus on the throat.

No, most STIs don’t have a specific smell. In fact, many STIs are completely asymptomatic, meaning they don’t cause any noticeable signs at all. But other conditions may cause the odd odour.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV isn’t an STI, but it’s a common condition that can cause a strong odour and is often confused with one. It occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and certain bacteria multiply, leading to an infection.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia rarely causes a noticeable smell. Like Gonorrhoea, it often has no symptoms, which is why regular testing is so important.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is more likely to cause changes in discharge and odour, which can sometimes lead people to suspect Gonorrhoea instead.

Several other conditions can cause noticeable changes in smell and are sometimes mistaken for an STI. These include bacterial imbalances, other infections, or even non-infectious causes such as hygiene changes or hormonal shifts.

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea can vary depending on the area of infection and a person’s anatomy. Common symptoms may include:

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or testicles
• Bleeding between periods

For some people, symptoms can appear suddenly and feel quite severe. This is one reason why nearly 1 in 10 Better2Know patients choose rapid testing services, often prompted by sudden or painful symptoms that can present differently depending on biological sex.

If you notice a persistent or unusual smell, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to get tested. Even if the smell turns out to be unrelated to an STI, testing can give you clarity and peace of mind.

Can Gonorrhoea cause a bad smell on its own?

It can, but it’s not the main symptom, and smell shouldn’t be used to tell whether you have Gonorrhoea or any other STI.

Can I have Gonorrhoea without any symptoms?

Yes. Many people with Gonorrhoea don’t notice any symptoms.

Will the smell go away without treatment?

Symptoms may fluctuate, but Gonorrhoea doesn’t clear up on its own and requires antibiotic treatment.

Because the symptoms of Gonorrhoea can vary widely, or be completely absent, regular testing remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others.

If you’re unsure, concerned, or simply want reassurance, get in touch with Better2Know to secure your sexual health.